Stokesdale Town Council meeting

as reported by PATTI STOKES

Mayor John Flynt called the monthly meeting to order at 7 p.m. Stokesdale Fire District’s deputy chief, Randy Southard, offered an opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  5  0 In separate votes, the meeting agenda, minutes from the Aug. 24 closed session meeting, Sept. 9 closed session meeting, and Oct. 21 special called meeting were unanimously approved.

Stokesdale Fire District. Chief Todd Gauldin reported the fire department responded to 73 calls in October; of these, 37 were fire-related and 36 were medical/rescue calls.

As a safety tip, Gauldin encouraged those using alternative heat sources to check their chimneys and dampers before using them this season, and if not using a fireplace screen, to put a thick covering on the floor in front of the fireplace. He also reminded those with kerosene heaters to use the right kind of fuel, have proper ventilation, and to not place combustibles close by.

Robin Yount, who previously served as tourism manager for Rockingham County Tourism Development Authority, was introduced as a new deputy clerk. Yount will work and learn under interim town clerk Dale Martin until Martin’s planned retirement in the next 1 ½ to 2 years.

Martin gave a report on the amount of water meters sold, transfer-of-service applications, water meters placed on hold by builders, and 8-1-1 locator calls the town received in October; she also reported 651 water customers were billed last month. Following up on the council’s decision at the Oct. 14 meeting to allocate funding for up to 50 new electronic water meters, Martin said 16 electronic meters are currently being installed; the new meters will enable a meter reader to read them while driving by versus having to park, walk up to the meters and manually read them.

New computers are being installed at Town Hall, and Martin said there has been a lot of interest in the annual Christmas parade participation and sponsorships. Events Committee. Councilman Derek Foy reminded everyone the annual Christmas parade will be Saturday, ...continued on p. 26

Pre-parade festivities begin at 12 pm at Stokesdale United Methodist Church and will include craft vendors, food trucks, hot dog, donut and hot chocolate serving stations, and live music.

PARADE ENTRIES NEEDED: Our participants are what make our parade great! Local organizations and businesses as well as family and friend groups are encouraged to join. Get creative! Last year’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Cruise-Thru station was quite the hit! Entry forms are available on the town’s website, www.stokesdale.org, under Events. Deadline for entry is Dec. 1. Please secure your spot early.